World Cup and hot weather blamed
Moss Bros has attributed its first fall in like-for-like sales for more than three years to the World Cup and recent spell of hot weather.
Like-for-like sales were down 0.75 per cent for the 26 weeks to July 29, but total sales rose 1.6 per cent.
The menswear retailer said fixed costs were up 6.6 per cent on a like-for-like basis due to 'significant increases' in utility and property costs.
Chief executive Philip Mountford said: 'The company has reacted well to the challenging retail environment, but the effect of the World Cup and the unusual weather has impacted on trading throughout June and July. Prior to the World Cup, the business achieved positive comparable sales of 1.6 per cent. The World Cup cost the business£1.1 million in lost sales.'
The group opened nine stores during the half year.
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